The United States’ largest teacher-led, educational reform movement in music education has been unleashed. David Wish, founder and executive director of Little Kids Rock, talks about the exciting benefits of the “Fifth Stream” of music education in US public schools. Will kids actually get to study at school what they listen to at home?

When my oldest son entered kindergarten, strangers could understand only 15-25% of his speech. He had already been in speech therapy upwards of three times a week for several years. He was diagnosed with Apraxia when he was three years old.

Teachers are some of the most important and influential figures in our young lives, but for all that our paths only cross for a short time. Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to honor the people who devote themselves to our kids.

Little Kids Rock believes that learning to play a musical instrument can transform kids’ lives, and inspire the creativity and confidence that are critical to success, not only in school but in life. This year, Little Kids Rock will reach more than 50,000 kids with free musical instruments and instruction.